1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
Sure, Gaultier was nicknamed the enfant terrible of fashion in his early days, so provocation is part of the brand’s vernacular.
—
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 14 Mar. 2026
The forty-three-year gap between provocation and retaliation is a void between cause and effect into which all temporal logic vanishes.
—Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 13 Mar. 2026
The civil lawsuit alleges that Odeh assaulted her son without justification or provocation.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
They were sprayed without any warning or apparent provocation.
—Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 14 Mar. 2026
The forty-three-year gap between provocation and retaliation is a void between cause and effect into which all temporal logic vanishes.
—Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 13 Mar. 2026
The civil lawsuit alleges that Odeh assaulted her son without justification or provocation.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
They were sprayed without any warning or apparent provocation.
—Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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With a spot in the Final Four on the line, excitement is building among fans who believe their team can make a deep run.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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But in the excitement over human exploration of the moon, the meanings behind the missions' namesakes and the mythological figures that inspired them can get lost.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is not an indictment of individuals but of incentives built into a system structured to protect bureaucracy while classrooms absorb the pressure.—
Daniel L Gordon,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
This investment would be best paired with incentives to companies to offer greater part-time and flexible work options.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But there are a number of reasons to file tax returns even when they’re not strictly required, including claiming tax credits, getting back income tax withheld from paychecks or retirement accounts, and getting access to any future government stimulus payments that might be offered.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His impetus to draw these posters — which are available for sale on his website — is self-driven.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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While the trade deal had been in negotiations for years, held up by domestic opposition, Washington’s tariff campaign created a new impetus.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The reason for that association could simply be that the people eating these low-variety diets have more self-discipline or motivation to lose weight, per the researchers.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
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Baker argued that the DA’s office and Rosen’s campaign are legally separate, denied any political motivation in the prosecution, and noted that campaign donation records are public — adding that the office had already turned over emails between a senior prosecutor and the campaign manager.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In our modern world many people experience constant stimulation.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
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The over-the-top excess twinned with control may seem appealing in a world where smartphones offer a mindless, constant and banal source of stimulation.—
Jennifer Pollitt,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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